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40 Entertaining Cat Pictures Captured By Masayuki Oki (New Pics)
Interview With Artist
Masayuki Oki, a Tokyo-based photographer, has spent the last decade capturing street cats with a kind of raw affection that turns each photo into a story. He doesn’t just shoot cats lounging on sidewalks or scoping out snacks, no, in fact, he documents their personalities, the quiet drama of their lives, and the way they command attention without trying. “Sometimes I feel as if the cats are telling me to capture the moment,” he says, treating them like photography mentors as he learns to anticipate their movements and moods.
Oki’s process is relentless in the best way, often spending entire days on Japan’s cat islands with his camera in hand from dawn until evening, editing his photos that same night. His dream is simple but sincere: “I've always hoped that my cat photos would bring happiness to people around the world.”
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Reflecting on the lessons he’s learned from observing cats, Oki shared with Bored Panda that before he started photographing them, he hadn’t realized how far cats would go to charm their way into getting food. "Before starting cat photography, I didn't know that cats go all out to charm their way into getting food. When I saw this behavior, even the proudest cats would act affectionately to achieve their goal. At that time, I was a corporate employee and not a very affable person. My work wasn't going well, so I tried to apply the friendliness I learned from cats to improve it. Although it was too late to see any improvement, I learned it was an important lesson for me."
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Bi.Felicia 6 months ago
Idk why but I pictured this cat was just starting to sing the opening song from Lion King. 🎶 Aaaaaahhhhhh sevenya badda dee doo da do..🎶
When it comes to dedication, Oki doesn’t hold back—especially during his visits to Japan’s famous “cat islands.” He described how he structures his photography trips around full-day sessions. "When I want to do a lot of shooting, I take a five-day trip to one of Japan’s cat islands. During these trips, I photograph relentlessly from sunrise to sunset. For instance, in mid-July, I visited a cat island in Kagawa Prefecture. I photographed from 5:00 AM to 8:30 AM, had breakfast, then photographed from around 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, had lunch, and continued photographing cats from around 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM. The photos I take are edited in Photoshop Lightroom on the same day."
He also touches on the more philosophical side of his work, describing how the cats themselves seem to guide his process. "Sometimes I feel as if the cats are telling me to capture the moment, making them my photography teachers. Personally, I also love the photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson. I try to express my own personality by holding the camera and observing the cat's behavior (eye movements and reactions). Once you know the quirks, you can predict the future and find the best shooting position."
What truly captivates Oki is the emotional range and individuality cats display—something he aims to capture in every photo.
"Cats are cute on the outside and adorable on the inside, where their fragile emotions are easily expressed in their attitudes. I realized that the relationships between cats and people are as complex as with humans and that each cat has its own identity. I like to express this in my photographs, where the moments and expressions reveal the individuality of each cat without overlooking them."
After more than a decade behind the lens, Oki says his goal has remained consistent: to bring joy through his images. "I've been photographing cats for 10 years now. I've always hoped that my cat photos would bring happiness to people around the world, and I approach my photography with that belief. It might sound laughable, but my feelings about this haven’t changed. So, if I could hold a photo exhibition somewhere in the world and publish a photo book that brings happiness to someone, that would be great. I believe my dreams are gradually taking shape. Also, I hope to be able to photograph cats somewhere in the world."
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Bi.Felicia 6 months ago (edited)
The cat on the right looks like he's having a chuckle because he gave the poor cat next to him, something super spicy or sour tasting. 😹
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Gingersnap In Iowa 6 months ago
When you and your sibling are fighting and Mom walks in the room.
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Multa Nocte 6 months ago
Sweet! We saw this little one earlier - I recognise the facial markings.
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Bi.Felicia 6 months ago
Aww, the black kitty is down on his knees, proposing to the other kitty, at sunset and I love her reaction. She definitely said yes. 😻🙀😽😻
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Kate Johnson 6 months ago
It's a trick, like when you see bike riders going up on the front wheel!
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Frances Pitchoune 6 months ago
"Yeah, you were right, Kenneth, humans don't land on their feet..."
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Frances Pitchoune 6 months ago
"Just a little more personal touch and this bonsai will be perfect."
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Frances Pitchoune 6 months ago
"By the power of God, I ask that this demon leave the body of this faithful cat!" 🖐 "But Daniel, it's just gas!"
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Frances Pitchoune 6 months ago
Is it just me, or have the fish these cats have been catching been really ugly from the start? They don't make you want to eat them! 😲
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Smeghead Tribble Down Under 6 months ago
''You're an embarrassment, Jerry. I can't take you anywhere.''
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What do you think ?
Cee Cee 6 months ago
Nothing from Shyla, Audi and Bouche oh my for months. She loves cats. I do hope she is OK.
Cee Cee 6 months ago
Nothing from Shyla, Audi and Bouche oh my for months. She loves cats. I do hope she is OK.
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